East Grinstead III 34 Cinque Ports 7 (HT 24-0)

Cinque Ports third league visit of the season to East Grinstead began with an impeccably observed minute's silence in respect of David Northern's sad death, Hastings & Bexhill's recent tragedy, both sides unified in showing their tribute to player who will be a great loss to the game in Sussex.

As the game began both sides probed and attacked but had problems finding their way past very strong defences. East Grinstead had reverted to fielding their experienced, organised vets' side after the CPR beat a younger colts based team earlier in the season, CPR fielding a team weakened by injuries. Cinque Ports did cause some offensive problems, wingers Luke Price and Rob Fink using their pace to good effect and returning centre  Colin Whyte punching holes with his pace and power.

Unfortunately the game was turned on it's head in a 10 minute burst when the home side scored a clutch of tries just before half time, all were converted as was a well kicked penalty. The East Grinstead side using the wind effectively with long kicks and good running from their centres. The Cinque Ports fight back was led by Craig Barningham who blasted through numerous tackles from the base of scrums and rucks. It was Barningham's dominant performance that saw him named man of the match. The second half saw a far more vibrant CPR, Paul Smart leaving men for dead to slip in the two centres, Colin Whyte and Dale Whittington with powerful attacking probes.

One brilliant period of attacking play saw Rob Fink tackled inches from the line having run well over half the pitch. Then another enterprising piece of open play saw counter attacking full back Carl Malthouse repelled when also inches from scoring. Cinque Ports were hampered further when Gary Swift's back prevented from taking his normal full blooded part in the game but Paul Smart once again released Colin Whyte and Dale Whittington, who offloaded for Rob Fink to score under the posts. Paul Smart converted.

A strong performance against a strong team, team manager Gavin Thomas was fulsome in his praise "The score says one story but the performance tells another. Great performances all round the field and some beautiful running rugby shows we are a good side with a strong future".

Cinque Ports will welcome the newly formed club from Battle and Robertsbridge to the Grove on Saturday, 1066 Conquerors RFC.

Team: Swift, Langley, Crump, Dedman, Parker, Davies, Thomas, Barningham, Salmon, Smart, Fink, Whyte, Whittington, Price, Malthouse